In a recent development, a controversy has arisen following a statement made by Amit Malviya, the head of Bharatiya Janata Party's IT cell, regarding the military actions of late Congress leader Rajesh Pilot. Malviya's tweet claimed that Rajesh Pilot and another Congress leader, Suresh Kalmadi, were responsible for bombing Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, on March 5, 1966, while flying Indian Air Force planes. Reacting strongly to these allegations, Rajasthan minister Pratap Khachariyawas, considered a loyalist to Rajesh Pilot's son Sachin Pilot, demanded an apology from Malviya and the BJP.
Pratap Khachariyawas criticized the BJP's lack of knowledge and accused them of spreading misinformation. He labeled Malviya's tweet as a "sin" and an insult not only to the late Rajesh Pilot's legacy but also to the Indian army and the country as a whole. Khachariyawas emphasized that Rajesh Pilot was a respected and brave pilot, known for his contributions to the Indian Air Force, and that the BJP's claims were based on falsehoods.
Sachin Pilot, Rajesh Pilot's son and a prominent figure in the Rajasthan Congress, also rejected Malviya's allegations. He corrected the timeline, stating that his father was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on October 29, 1966, and therefore could not have been involved in the claimed incident on March 5, 1966. Sachin Pilot emphasized his father's role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, where he dropped bombs on erstwhile East Pakistan, and attached a certificate as evidence of his father's commission date.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot voiced his support for Sachin Pilot and condemned the BJP's statements. Gehlot highlighted the bravery and sacrifice of Rajesh Pilot during his tenure in the Indian Air Force, stating that insulting him also undermined the sacrifices of the Indian Air Force as a whole.
The controversy escalated after Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to an incident in 1966 during his response to a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. He mentioned that the Congress government, under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, used air assets to attack citizens in Mizoram. This led to widespread discussions about the accuracy of the claims and the need for clarifications.
In summary, the recent controversy surrounding Amit Malviya's claims about Rajesh Pilot's alleged military actions has ignited a heated debate between political parties. While the BJP leader's assertions were met with strong objections from the Congress camp, the incident highlights the importance of accurate historical information and responsible communication in the political discourse.
